MISC Berhad (MISC) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) for the design of the world’s first ammonia-fuelled LR2 tanker powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) technology.
The AiP confirms the technical feasibility of the vessel and its initial compliance with relevant maritime regulations, industry codes, and safety standards.
It represents a significant milestone in the development of zero-emission, commercially scalable shipping technologies.
The approval is part of a Joint Development Project (JDP) between MISC, SHI, and BV, aimed at creating a large-scale commercial vessel that integrates PEMFC technology developed by Vinssen and an Ammonia Cracking System (ACS) engineered by Panasia Co. Ltd.
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This design enables full-scale power generation for propulsion, cargo operations, and onboard energy needs—expanding the role of fuel cells beyond small vessels or auxiliary systems.
Key features of the vessel include zero direct emissions, regulatory alignment with current and anticipated IMO environmental standards, improved operational efficiency, and potential for scalability across the maritime sector.
The use of ammonia as a fuel allows the vessel to eliminate direct CO2 emissions, supporting global decarbonisation goals.
The PEMFC-based propulsion system also offers reduced fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs compared to conventional marine engines.
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Zahid Osman, President and Group CEO of MISC, stated: “This AiP is the result of combining our strengths and challenging conventional boundaries to transform sustainability aspirations into tangible progress. Together with SHI and BV, we are advancing a solution that will set a new standard for sustainable shipping.”
Haeki Jang, Chief Technical Officer of SHI, said, “Our ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker powered by fuel cell represents a true step forward — delivering zero emissions, meeting future regulations, improving operational efficiency, and offering scalability for wider adoption.”
